McPherson County, South Dakota
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). This report summarizes the major soil map units across the survey area to help you understand what to expect when buying, building, or gardening in McPherson County, South Dakota.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Williams-Bowbells loams, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 97K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Williams-Zahl-Bowbells loams, 3 to 15 percent slopes | 90K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Williams-Zahl loams, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 42K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Niobell-Noonan loams, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 41K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Williams-Bowbells-Tonka complex, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 40K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Lehr-Bowdle loams, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 28K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Williams-Bowbells loams, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 26K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Parnell silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, Missouri Coteau | 23K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Noonan-Miranda loams, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 21K | Moderately well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Wabek-Bowdle complex, 2 to 9 percent slopes | 18K | Excessively drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Williams-Niobell loams, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Wabek-Lehr complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 16K | Excessively drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Zahl-Williams-Zahill complex, 6 to 9 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Williams-Zahl loams, 3 to 15 percent slopes, very stony | 15K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Ranslo-Harriet loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 14K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Zahl-Max loams, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 10K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Tonka-Parnell complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes, Missouri Coteau | 9K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Southam silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, Missouri Coteau | 8K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Williams-Zahl-Parnell complex, 0 to 9 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
Most soils are generally favorable for residential construction. Standard foundations are usually viable, though site-specific evaluation is always recommended.
Septic Systems
About 31% of soils have significant septic limitations, while others are more suitable. A perc test is essential — conditions vary across the area.
Gardening & Agriculture
Drainage is generally favorable for gardening. Adding compost and mulch will improve fertility and water retention. Test your soil's pH before planting — most vegetables prefer 6.0-7.0.